U.S. patent application number 16/497151 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for processing control device, machine tool, and processing control method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Tomoya FUJITA, Atsushi HORI, Akihiko IMAGI, Kentaro MORI, Hiroyasu NEGISHI, Goh SATO.
Application Number | 20210124332 16/497151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005361125 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210124332/US20210124332A1-20210429\US20210124332A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210124332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HORI; Atsushi ; et
al. |
April 29, 2021 |
PROCESSING CONTROL DEVICE, MACHINE TOOL, AND PROCESSING CONTROL
METHOD
Abstract
A processing control device controls a tool for processing a
first workpiece. The processing control device includes a driving
unit to drive the tool, an output unit, and a control unit to
control the driving unit and the output unit. Processing
information obtained by performing preliminary processing on a
second workpiece before performing first processing on the first
workpiece is transmitted by the control unit to the output unit and
accordingly the processing information is outputted from the output
unit. The control unit generates a control command for performing
second processing that is performed on the first workpiece after
the first processing. The control unit controls the driving unit
according to the control command.
Inventors: |
HORI; Atsushi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; MORI; Kentaro; (Tokyo, JP) ; FUJITA;
Tomoya; (Tokyo, JP) ; SATO; Goh; (Tokyo,
JP) ; IMAGI; Akihiko; (Tokyo, JP) ; NEGISHI;
Hiroyasu; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005361125 |
Appl. No.: |
16/497151 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
April 27, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/016775 |
371 Date: |
September 24, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 19/19 20130101;
G05B 2219/45151 20130101; G05B 19/4068 20130101; G05B 2219/33305
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05B 19/4068 20060101
G05B019/4068; G05B 19/19 20060101 G05B019/19 |
Claims
1. A processing control device to control a tool, comprising: a
driving device to drive the tool according to a control command; an
output device; controller to control the driving device and the
output device; and an input device for inputting the control
command, wherein after preliminary cutting that is cutting
processing to be performed on a workpiece on a basis of a
preliminary cutting program as the control command is performed
before regular cutting processing, the controller generates
processing information including a burr position expected to occur
on a workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a basis of
stress that occurs when the tool driven by the driving device
touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary cutting
program, when a cutting program as the control command for
performing the regular cutting processing is inputted from the
input device, the controller controls the driving device on a basis
of the cutting program, when the controller determines that the
regular cutting processing based on the cutting program is
completed, the controller transmits the processing information to
the output device and accordingly the processing information is
outputted from the output, device so as to be referred by a user,
and when a burr cutting program as the control command for
performing burr cutting on a workpiece cut according to the cutting
program is inputted from the input device by the user according to
the processing information outputted from the output device, the
controller controls the driving device according to the burr
cutting program.
2. The processing control device according to claim 1, wherein
after the preliminary cutting is performed, the controller
generates processing information including a cutting error that is
expected to occur on a workpiece in the regular cutting processing,
on a basis of stress that occurs when the tool driven by the
driving device touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the
preliminary cutting program.
3. The processing control device according to claim 1, wherein when
an error cutting program as the control command for performing
cutting processing for correcting the cutting error on a workpiece
cut according to the cutting program is inputted from the input
device by the user according to the processing information
outputted from the output device, the controller controls the
driving device according to the error cutting program.
4. A processing control device to control a tool, comprising: a
driving device to drive the tool according to a control command; an
output device; a controller to control the driving device and the
output device; and an input device for inputting the control
command, wherein after preliminary cutting that is cutting
processing to be performed on a workpiece on a basis of a
preliminary cutting program as the control command is performed
before regular cutting processing, the controller generates
processing information including a cutting error expected to occur
on a workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a basis of
stress that occurs when the tool driven by the driving device
touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary cutting
program, when a cutting program as the control command for
performing the regular cutting processing is inputted from the
input device, the controller controls the driving device on a basis
of the cutting program, when the controller determines that the
regular cutting processing based on the cutting program is
completed, the controller transmits the processing information to
the output device and accordingly the processing information is
outputted from the output device so as to be referred by a user,
and when an error cutting program as the control command for
performing cutting processing for correcting the cutting error on a
workpiece cut according to the cutting program is inputted from the
input device by the user according to the processing information
outputted from the output device, the controller controls the
driving device according to the error cutting program.
5. The processing control device according to claim 4, wherein
after the preliminary cutting is performed, the controller
generates processing information including a burr position expected
to occur on a workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a
basis of stress that occurs when the tool driven by the driving
device touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary
cutting program.
6. The processing control device according to claim 5, wherein when
a burr cutting program as the control command for performing burr
cutting on a workpiece cut according to the cutting program is
inputted from the input device by the user according to the
processing information outputted from the output device, the
controller controls the driving device according to the burr
cutting program.
7. The processing control device according to claim 1, the output
device includes at least one of a monitor, a speaker, or a
vibration actuator to vibrate, and the processing information is
outputted from the at least one of the monitor, the speaker, or the
vibration actuator.
8. The processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the
output device includes of a monitor.
9. The processing control device according to claim 8, wherein when
the controller determines that the regular cutting processing based
on the cutting program is completed, the controller transmits an
image of a workpiece obtained by performing the regular cutting
processing to the monitor together with the processing information
and accordingly the image and the processing information are
displayed on the monitor.
10. The processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the
controller includes a storage device, and the processing
information is stored in the storage device.
11. A machine tool comprising: a tool; and the processing control
device according to claim 1 to control the tool.
12. The machine tool according to claim 11, wherein after the
preliminary cutting is performed, the controller generates
processing information including a cutting error that is expected
to occur on a workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a
basis of stress that occurs when the tool driven by the driving
device touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary
cutting program.
13. The machine tool according to claim 12, wherein when an error
cutting program as the control command for performing cutting
processing for correcting the cutting error on a workpiece cut
according to the cutting program is inputted from the input device
by the user according to the processing information outputted from
the output device, the controller controls the driving device
according to the error cutting program.
14. A machine tool comprising: a tool; and the processing control
device according to claim 4 to control the tool.
15. The machine tool according to claim 14, wherein after the
preliminary cutting is performed, the controller generates
processing information including a burr position expected to occur
on a workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a basis of
stress that occurs when the tool driven by the driving device
touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary cutting
program.
16. The machine tool according to claim 15, wherein when a burr
cutting program as the control command for performing burr cutting
on a workpiece cut according to the cutting program is inputted
from the input device by the user according to the processing
information outputted from the output device, the controller
controls the driving device according to the burr cutting
program.
17. A processing control method in a processing control device
including a driving device to drive a tool according to a control
command, an output device, and a controller to control the driving
device and the output device, and an input device for inputting the
control command, the method comprising: performing preliminary
cutting that is cutting processing to be performed on a workpiece
on a basis of a preliminary cutting program as the control command
before regular cutting processing; generating processing
information including a burr position expected to occur on a
workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a basis of stress
that occurs when the tool driven by the driving device touches the
workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary cutting program;
controlling the driving device on a basis of the cutting program
when a cutting program as the control command for performing the
regular cutting processing is inputted from the input device;
making the output device output the processing information so as to
be referred by a user when the controller determines that the
regular cutting processing based on the cutting program is
completed; and controlling the driving device according to the burr
cutting program when a burr cutting program as the control command
for performing burr cutting on a workpiece cut according to the
cutting program is inputted from the input device by the user
according to the processing information outputted from the output
device.
18. The processing control method according to claim 17, further
comprising generating processing information including a cutting
error that is expected to occur on a workpiece in the regular
cutting processing, on a basis of stress that occurs when the tool
driven by the driving device touches the workpiece cut on a basis
of the preliminary cutting program, after the preliminary cutting
is performed.
19. The processing control method according to claim 18, further
comprising controlling the driving device according to the error
cutting program when an error cutting program as the control
command for performing cutting processing for correcting the
cutting error on a workpiece cut according to the cutting program
is inputted from the input device by the user according to the
processing information outputted from the output device.
20. A processing control method in a processing control device
including a driving device to drive a tool according to a control
command, an output device, and a controller to control the driving
device and the output device, and an input device for inputting the
control command, the method comprising: performing preliminary
cutting that is cutting processing to be performed on a workpiece
on a basis of a preliminary cutting program as the control command
before regular cutting processing; generating processing
information including a cutting error expected to occur on a
workpiece in the regular cutting processing, on a basis of stress
that occurs when the tool driven by the driving device touches the
workpiece cut on a basis of the preliminary cutting program;
controlling the driving device on a basis of the cutting program
when a cutting program as the control command for performing the
regular cutting processing is inputted from the input device;
making the output device output the processing information so as to
be referred by a user when the controller determines that the
regular cutting processing based on the cutting program is
completed; and controlling the driving device according to the
error cutting program when an error cutting program as the control
command for performing cutting processing for correcting the
cutting error on a workpiece cut according to the cutting program
is inputted from the input device by the user according to the
processing information outputted from the output device.
21. The processing control method according to claim 20, further
comprising generating processing information including a burr
position expected to occur on a workpiece in the regular cutting
processing, on a basis of stress that occurs when the tool driven
by the driving device touches the workpiece cut on a basis of the
preliminary cutting program, after the preliminary cutting is
performed.
22. The processing control method according to claim 21, further
comprising controlling the driving device according to the burr
cutting program when a burr cutting program as the control command
for performing burr cutting on a workpiece cut according to the
cutting program is inputted from the input device by the user
according to the processing information outputted from the output
device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a processing control
device, a machine tool and a processing control method.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A machine tool for processing a workpiece (e.g., metallic
material) that is a processing object by driving a tool is
generally used. When a cutting tool is used as the tool, for
example, burrs occur due to the cutting processing, and thus there
has been proposed a method for inhibiting the occurrence of burrs
(see Patent Reference 1, for example). Further, there has been
proposed a method of extracting deburring positions through a
simulation regarding the workpiece that is the processing object
and displaying the deburring positions on a display unit (see
Patent Reference 2, for example).
PRIOR ART REFERENCE
Patent Reference
[0003] Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2013-66956
[0004] Patent Reference 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2010-182210
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, in conventional technologies, processing
information based on condition of a preliminarily processed
workpiece is not presented to a user, and thus there is a problem
in that working efficiency is lowered.
[0006] An object of the present invention, which has been made to
resolve the above-described problem, is to increase working
efficiency by presenting processing information based on condition
of a preliminarily processed workpiece to be easily recognizable to
a user.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0007] A processing control device according to the present
invention is a processing control device to control a tool for
processing a first workpiece. The processing control device
includes a driving unit to drive the tool, an output unit, and a
control unit to control the driving unit and the output unit.
Processing information obtained by performing preliminary
processing on a second workpiece before performing first processing
on the first workpiece is transmitted by the control unit to the
output unit and accordingly the processing information is outputted
from the output unit. The control unit generates a control command
for performing second processing that is performed on the first
workpiece after the first processing. The control unit controls the
driving unit according to the control command.
Effect of the Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, the working efficiency
can be increased by presenting the processing information based on
the condition of the preliminarily processed workpiece to be easily
recognizable to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a
configuration of a machine tool including a processing control
device according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a specific
configuration of a control unit.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a preliminary
process in the machine tool.
[0012] FIGS. 4a to 4c are diagrams showing an example of steps of a
preliminary cutting process.
[0013] FIGS. 5a to 5c are diagrams showing an example of a burr
detection path generation step.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a cutting
process in the machine tool.
[0015] FIGS. 7a to 7c are diagrams showing an example of steps of
the cutting process.
[0016] FIGS. 8a to 8c are diagrams showing another example of steps
of the cutting process.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen
displaying processing information obtained by the preliminary
process and the cutting process shown in FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen
displaying processing information obtained by the preliminary
process and the cutting process shown in FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen
displaying a cutting path in the cutting process shown in FIG.
8.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an output
process of the processing information.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a
configuration of a machine tool 1 including a processing control
device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] The machine tool 1 includes a tool 11 and the processing
control device 10 that controls the tool 11. However, the
configuration of the machine tool 1 is not limited to the example
shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the machine tool 1 is a
numerical control (NC) machine tool.
[0023] The tool 11 is, for example, a cutting tool for processing a
workpiece or a touch probe for detecting the condition of the
workpiece such as the position and the shape of the workpiece.
[0024] The processing control device 10 includes a driving unit 200
that drives the tool 11, an output unit 300, a control unit 100
that controls the driving unit 200 and the output unit 300, and an
input unit 400 for inputting control commands to the control unit
100. However, the configuration of the processing control device 10
is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, the
output unit 300 and the input unit 400 may be provided outside the
processing control device 10 or outside the machine tool 1. The
processing control device 10 is an NC device, for example.
[0025] The control unit 100 includes a central processing unit
(CPU) 101, a memory 102 and a storage device 103. The storage
device 103 includes a database 104.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a specific
configuration of the control unit 100.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 includes a cutting
control unit 111, a burr detection unit 112, an error detection
unit 113, a cutting result presentation unit 114, a cutting
information combination unit 115, a cutting completion
determination unit 116, a cutting direction determination unit 117,
a cutting path determination unit 118 and a program generation
output unit 119, for example. Functions of these components are
implemented by the CPU 101.
[0028] The CPU 101 performs computation regarding output content to
be outputted from the output unit 300, the contents of control of
the driving unit 200, and input content inputted from the input
unit 400 to the control unit 100. Further, the CPU 101 reads out a
control program for controlling the driving unit 200 and the output
unit 300 stored in the memory 102 or the storage device 103 and
outputs control signals according to the control program.
[0029] The storage device 103 includes the database 104 for storing
various types of information.
[0030] The driving unit 200 includes a main shaft unit 210, a
feeding unit 220 and a pressure sensor 230.
[0031] The main shaft unit 210 includes a main shaft sensor 211, a
main shaft revolution speed control unit 212 and a main shaft motor
213. The main shaft motor 213 rotates a main shaft to which the
tool 11 has been attached. The main shaft revolution speed control
unit 212 controls revolution speed of the main shaft. The main
shaft sensor 211 detects the revolution speed of the main shaft and
transmits the result of the detection to the main shaft revolution
speed control unit 212.
[0032] The feeding unit 220 includes a feeding sensor 221, a
feeding speed control unit 222 and a feeding motor 223. The feeding
motor 223 moves the tool 11 in a feeding direction. The feeding
speed control unit 222 controls feeding speed of the tool 11. The
feeding sensor 221 detects the feeding speed of the tool 11 and
transmits the result of the detection to the feeding speed control
unit 222.
[0033] The pressure sensor 230 detects pressure applied to the tool
11 (specifically, the main shaft to which the tool 11 has been
attached).
[0034] The output unit 300 includes a visual data generation unit
302, a monitor 303, an auditory data generation unit 304, a speaker
305, a haptic data generation unit 306 and a vibration actuator
307.
[0035] The visual data generation unit 302 outputs an image as
visual information (referred to also as "visual data") to the
monitor 303 according to a command from the control unit 100. The
auditory data generation unit 304 outputs audio as auditory
information (referred to also as "auditory data") to the speaker
305 according to a command from the control unit 100. The haptic
data generation unit 306 outputs vibration as haptic information
(referred to also as "haptic data") to the vibration actuator 307
according to a command from the control unit 100.
[0036] The input unit 400 includes a keyboard 401, a mouse 402 and
a touch panel 403. The user operates the processing control device
10 by using the keyboard 401, the mouse 402 or the touch panel 403
and inputs control commands for the processing control device 10 to
the control unit 100 through the input unit 400. The components of
the input unit 400 are not limited to the keyboard 401, the mouse
402 and the touch panel 403. For example, the input unit 400 may
include a touch pad, a joystick or a dial.
[0037] Next, a preliminary process in the machine tool 1 (a
processing control method in the processing control device 10) will
be described.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the preliminary
process in the machine tool 1.
[0039] In step S101, the control unit 100 (specifically, the
cutting control unit 111) calculates a cutting path (referred to
also as a "preliminary cutting path"). Specifically, the cutting
control unit 111 reads out a preliminary cutting program as a
predetermined control command for performing preliminary cutting as
preliminary processing (referred to also as a "preliminary cutting
procedure document") from the database 104 and calculates the whole
cutting path indicated by the preliminary cutting program (referred
to also as a "preliminary cutting path"). The preliminary cutting
program is code used as an NC program or a part of an NC
program.
[0040] The preliminary processing is processing that is
preliminarily performed before regular processing is performed. The
preliminary cutting is cutting processing that is preliminarily
performed before regular cutting processing is performed.
[0041] The calculation result (i.e., the cutting path) is outputted
from the output unit 300 (step S102). In this embodiment, the
calculation result is displayed on the monitor 303.
[0042] FIGS. 4a to 4c are diagrams showing an example of steps of a
preliminary cutting process.
[0043] In step S103, the user of the machine tool 1 performs the
preliminary cutting on a workpiece W1 that is the processing object
according to the preliminary cutting program displayed on the
monitor 303. For example, the user inputs the contents of the
preliminary cutting program to the processing control device 10 by
using the input unit 400 and thereby controls the tool 11
(specifically, a cutting tool). The preliminary cutting is carried
out as above. Broken lines shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c represent
information indicating burr positions that are expected to occur on
the workpiece W1 due to the cutting (hereinafter referred to as
"burr occurrence expectation position P1"). A cut region A1 shown
in FIG. 4c represents a region cut by the tool 11.
[0044] FIGS. 5a to 5c are diagrams showing an example of a burr
detection path generation step.
[0045] In step S104, a burr detection path is generated. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5a, the user brings the tool 11 close to
the cut region A1 by controlling the driving unit 200. When the
tool 11 touches a burr B1 as shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c, the control
unit 100 (specifically, the burr detection unit 112) measures
stress occurring in the tool 11 via the main shaft sensor 211 of
the main shaft unit 210 and the feeding sensor 221 of the feeding
unit 220. The control unit 100 (specifically, the burr detection.
unit 112) generates the burr detection path, as a movement path of
the tool 11 for performing the burr detection, on the basis of the
stress.
[0046] The burr detection path is, for example, two-dimensional or
three-dimensional coordinate data representing the burr occurrence
expectation position P1.
[0047] The control unit 100 (specifically, the program generation
output unit 119) generates a burr detection program (referred to
also as a "burr detection procedure document") as a control command
for detecting burrs B1 on the basis of the burr detection path
obtained in the step S104. The burr detection program transmitted
to the output unit 300 is displayed on the monitor 303 by the
visual data generation unit 302 (step S105). The burr detection
program is code used as an NC program or a part of an NC
program.
[0048] In step S106, the user performs the burr detection according
to the burr detection program outputted to the monitor 303.
Specifically, the user inputs the contents of the burr detection
program to the processing control device 10 by using the input unit
400 and thereby controls the tool 11. The burr detection is carried
out as above. Burr information B3, including at least one of a burr
position B2 obtained by the burr detection or the burr occurrence
expectation position P1, is stored in the database 104 of the
storage device 103.
[0049] In step S107, an error detection path judgment is made.
Specifically, the contents of an error detection program (referred
to also as an "error detection procedure document") as a
predetermined control command are displayed on the monitor 303 and
the user judges whether or not there is no problem in the contents
of the error detection program (e.g., an error detection path). The
error detection program is code used as an NC program or a part of
an NC program. If there is no problem in the contents of the error
detection program, the user replaces the cutting tool as the tool
11 with the touch probe and inputs the contents of the error
detection program to the processing control device 10.
[0050] In step S108, similarly to the example shown in FIGS. 5a to
5c, the user brings the tool 11 close to the cut region A1 of the
workpiece by controlling the driving unit 200. Similarly to the
process in the step S104 (generation of the burr detection path),
when the tool 11 touches the workpiece W1, the control unit 100
(specifically, the error detection unit 113) measures stress
occurring in the tool 11 via the main shaft sensor 211 of the main
shaft unit 210 and the feeding sensor 221 of the feeding unit, 220.
The control unit 100 (specifically, the error detection unit 113)
detects a cutting error, as an error with respect to the cutting
path indicated by the preliminary cutting program (i.e., the
preliminary cutting path), on the basis of the stress. This cutting
error is information indicating a cutting error that is expected to
occur on the workpiece W1 in processing in step S201 which will be
described later. This cutting error is stored in the database
104.
[0051] In step S109, the control unit 100 (specifically, the
cutting information combination unit 115) generates processing
information including at least one of a cutting program (referred
to also as a "cutting procedure document") as a predetermined
control command, the burr information B3, or the cutting error. The
cutting program is code used as an NC program or a part of an NC
program. The user replaces the touch probe as the tool 11 with the
cutting tool. The control unit 100 (specifically, the cutting
information combination unit 115) stores the processing information
in the database 104 of the storage device 103. The control unit 100
may also store various types of information other than the burr
information B3 or the cutting error in the database 104.
[0052] Next, a cutting process in the machine tool 1 (a processing
control method in the processing control device 10) will be
described.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the cutting
process in the machine tool 1.
[0054] FIGS. 7a to 7c are diagrams showing an example of steps of
the cutting process.
[0055] FIGS. 8a to 8c are diagrams showing another example of steps
of the cutting process.
[0056] In step S201, the user performs processing (first
processing), specifically, cutting processing, on the workpiece W1
by using the processing information obtained in the preliminary
process (step S109). Specifically, the user inputs the contents of
the cutting program to the processing control device 10 by using
the input unit 400 and thereby controls the tool 11 (specifically,
the cutting tool). Accordingly, the cutting is carried out as shown
in FIGS. 7a to 7c or FIGS. 8a to 8c.
[0057] Before the processing in the step S201 is performed, the
control unit 100 may transmit the processing information obtained
in the preliminary process (step S109) to the output unit 300 so
that the processing information is outputted from the output unit
300. In this case, the user can perform the processing in the step
S201 while referring to the processing information obtained by the
preliminary cutting. Further, before the processing in the step
S201 is performed, the cutting program may be corrected on the
basis of the processing information obtained by the preliminary
cutting.
[0058] While the processing in the step S103 is referred to as the
"preliminary processing", the processing in the step S201 is
referred to also as "regular processing" or "normal processing".
When the workpiece W1 used in the step S201 is referred to as
"first workpiece", the workpiece W1 used in the preliminary process
is referred to also as "second workpiece".
[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen
displaying the processing information obtained by the preliminary
process and the cutting process shown in FIG. 7.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen
displaying the processing information obtained by the preliminary
process and the cutting process shown in FIG. 8.
[0061] In step S202, an output process of the processing
information is performed. When the control unit 100 (specifically,
the cutting completion determination unit 116) determines that the
processing in the step S201 is completed, the control unit 100
(specifically, the cutting result presentation unit 114) transmits
processing information to the output unit 300 (step S202). The
processing information transmitted by the control unit 100 to the
output unit 300 is information including the processing information
obtained by performing the preliminary processing on the second
workpiece (step S103) before performing the processing on the first
workpiece in the step S201 (namely, the information including at
least one of the burr information B3 or the cutting error) and an
image (specifically, image data) of the workpiece W1 or the like.
The processing information transmitted to the output unit 300 is
outputted from the output unit 300.
[0062] The image (image data) of the workpiece W1 or the like may
be either an image previously stored in the database 104 or an
image captured by using a camera or the like after the processing
in the step S201 (i.e., an image of the workpiece W1 obtained by
performing the processing in the step S201).
[0063] The control unit 100 transmits the processing information to
the output unit 300 (specifically, the visual data generation unit
302 and the monitor 303) and accordingly the processing information
including the image of the workpiece W1 or the like and the burr
information B3 is displayed on the monitor 303 as shown in FIG. 9
and FIG. 10. By referring to the image of the workpiece W1 or the
like and the burr information B3 displayed on the monitor 303, the
user can intuitively grasp a region that should be paid attention
to when performing processing after the step S202.
[0064] A concrete example of the process in the step S202 will be
described.
[0065] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the output
process of the processing information in the step S202.
[0066] In step S301, the control unit 100 (specifically, the burr
detection unit 112) digitizes the burr positions B2 and burr
heights that are information stored in the database 104.
[0067] In step S302, the control unit 100 (specifically, the burr
detection unit 112) digitizes burr sharpness that is information
stored in the database 104.
[0068] In step S303, the control unit 100 (specifically, the burr
detection unit 112) digitizes smoothness of a cut surface of the
workpiece W1 that is information stored in the database 104.
[0069] In step S304, the control unit 100 (specifically, the burr
detection unit 112) digitizes hardness of the material of the
workpiece W1 that is information stored in the database 104.
[0070] In step S305, the control unit 100 (specifically, the
cutting result presentation unit 114) generates the visual data
(e.g., the image of the workpiece W1 or the like) that is the
output data to be outputted from the output unit 300.
[0071] In step S306, the control unit 100 (specifically, the
cutting result presentation unit 114) transmits the data generated
in the steps S301 to S305 to the output unit 300 as the processing
information.
[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on the
monitor 303 displaying a cutting path R1 in the cutting process
shown in FIG. 8.
[0073] In the step S202, information such as the cutting path R1 in
the cutting process may be displayed on the output unit 300.
[0074] In step S203, the control unit 100 (specifically, the
program generation output unit 119) generates a burr cutting
program (referred to also as a burr cutting procedure document) as
a control command for performing burr cutting (i.e., a second
processing performed after the first processing in the step S201)
on the workpiece W1. The burr cutting program is code used as an NC
program or a part of an NC program. A cutting path of the tool 11
and cutting directions with respect to the workpiece W1 for
performing the burr cutting may be respectively generated by the
cutting path determination unit 118 and the cutting direction
determination unit 117, for example.
[0075] In step S204, the user performs processing (second
processing) on the workpiece W1, specifically, deburring (referred
to also as "burr cutting"), according to the burr cutting program.
Specifically, the burr cutting program is displayed on the output
unit 300 (specifically, the monitor 303), and the user inputs the
contents of the burr cutting program to the processing control
device 10 by using the input unit 400 and thereby controls the tool
11 (specifically, the cutting tool). The control unit 100
(specifically, the cutting control unit 111) controls the driving
unit 200 according to the burr cutting program as a control command
inputted from the input unit 400. The burr cutting is carried out
as above. The processing in the step S204 is referred to also as
"finish processing".
[0076] In step S205, the cutting error as an item of information
included in the processing information obtained by the preliminary
process (step S108) is presented to the user. Specifically, the
control unit 100 (specifically, the cutting result presentation
unit 114) transmits the cutting error to the output unit 300. The
cutting error transmitted to the output unit 300 is displayed on
the monitor 303 by the visual data generation unit 302. However, it
is also possible to display the cutting error on the monitor 303 in
the step S202.
[0077] In step S206, the control unit 100 (the program generation
output unit 119) generates an error cutting program (referred to
also as an error cutting procedure document) as a control command
for performing cutting processing for correcting the cutting error
(i.e., processing performed after the first processing in the step
S201) on the workpiece W1. The error cutting program is code used
as an NC program or a part of an NC program. A cutting path of the
tool 11 and cutting directions with respect to the workpiece W1 for
performing the cutting processing in the step S206 may be
respectively generated by the cutting path determination unit 118
and the cutting direction determination unit 117, for example.
[0078] In step S207, the user performs cutting processing for
correcting the cutting error according to the error cutting program
obtained in the step S206. Specifically, the error cutting program
is displayed on the output unit 300 (specifically, the monitor
303), and the user inputs the contents of the error cutting program
to the processing control device 10 by using the input unit 400 and
thereby controls the tool 11 (specifically, the cutting tool). The
control unit 100 (specifically, the cutting control unit 111)
controls the driving unit 200 according to the error cutting
program as a control command inputted from the input unit 400.
Accordingly, the cutting error is corrected. The processing in the
step S207 is referred to also as "finish processing".
[0079] By performing the process from the step S201 to the step
S207, the cutting process in the machine tool 1 is completed.
[0080] According to the first embodiment, the processing
information based on the condition of the preliminarily processed
workpiece W1 (the processing information including information such
as the burr information B3 and the cutting error obtained by
performing the preliminary cutting) can be visually presented to be
easily recognizable to the user. Accordingly, the user can
intuitively grasp the region that should be paid attention to when
performing the processing, and the working efficiency can be
increased.
Second Embodiment
[0081] While the machine tool 1 in the first embodiment presents
the processing information such as the burr information B3 and the
cutting error obtained by performing the preliminary cutting to the
user as visual information, it is also possible to present the
processing information such as the burr information B3 and the
cutting error obtained by performing the preliminary cutting to the
user as auditory information or haptic information.
[0082] In the case where the information obtained by performing the
preliminary cutting is presented to the user as auditory
information, the auditory data generation unit 304 of the output
unit 300 converts the processing information such as the burr
information B3 and the cutting error obtained by performing the
preliminary cutting into audio and outputs the audio to the speaker
305. Accordingly, the user can recognize the information obtained
by performing the preliminary cutting by means of audio and
intuitively grasp the region that should be paid attention to when
performing the processing, and the working efficiency can be
increased.
[0083] In the case where the information obtained by performing the
preliminary cutting is presented to the user as haptic information,
the haptic data generation unit 306 of the output unit 300 converts
the processing information such as the burr information B3 and the
cutting error obtained by performing the preliminary cutting into
vibration data and outputs the vibration data to the vibration
actuator 307. Since the user can recognize the information obtained
by performing the preliminary cutting by means of vibration, the
user can intuitively grasp the region that should be paid attention
to when performing the processing, and the working efficiency can
be increased.
[0084] The information obtained by performing the preliminary
cutting may be presented to the user not only with one output
method but with a variety of combination of visual information,
auditory information and haptic information. In this case, the
output unit 300 includes at least one of the monitor 303, the
speaker 305, or the vibration actuator 307, and the processing
information is outputted from at least one of the monitor 303, the
speaker 305, or the vibration actuator 307. Accordingly, the user
can grasp the information obtained by performing the preliminary
cutting more intuitively by means of various methods like visual,
auditory and haptic methods, and the working efficiency can be
increased.
Third Embodiment
[0085] While the burr information B3 and the cutting error
presented to the user when the cutting process is performed are
information obtained by the preliminary cutting in the machine tool
1 in the first embodiment, it is also possible to configure the
machine tool 1 to present processing information obtained by past
preliminary cutting and accumulated in the database 104 to the
user.
[0086] In this case, the processing information to be presented to
the user (i.e., the processing information to be outputted from the
output unit 300) has previously been stored in the storage device
103 (e.g., the database 104). When the cutting process is
performed, the control unit 100 transmits the processing
information to the output unit 300 so that information stored in
the storage device 103 is outputted from the output unit 300. It is
also possible to store information other than the burr information
B3 or the cutting error in the storage device 103 as information to
be presented to the user.
[0087] For example, when the user performs the cutting process, the
user inputs a control command to the control unit 100 through the
input unit 400 so that information stored in the storage device 103
is outputted from the output unit 300 on the basis of the type of
the workpiece W1 and the type of the cutting tool. The user can
select necessary information from the information stored in the
storage device 103 on the basis of the type of the workpiece W1 and
the type of the cutting tool. Consequently, the user can
intuitively grasp the region that should be paid attention to when
performing the processing, and the working efficiency can be
increased.
[0088] Cutting data obtained by performing the cutting process is
stored in the storage device 103.
[0089] Information stored in the storage device 103 may be
outputted from the output unit 300 automatically with no control
command from the user. In this case, the user checks the condition
of the workpiece W1 such as the position and the shape of the
workpiece W1 by using the tool 11 such as the touch probe, and the
control unit 100 transmits information in the storage device 103 to
the output unit 300 on the basis of the result of the check.
[0090] In the case where the preliminary cutting has been
performed, information obtained by performing the preliminary
cutting may be outputted from the output unit 300.
[0091] Further, information stored in the storage device 103 may be
outputted from the output unit 300 not only with one output method
but with a variety of combination of visual information, auditory
information and haptic information. Accordingly, the user can grasp
the information obtained by performing the preliminary cutting more
intuitively by means of various methods like visual, auditory and
haptic methods, and the working efficiency can be increased.
[0092] Features in the embodiments described above can be
appropriately combined with each other.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0093] 1: machine tool, 10: processing control device, 11: tool,
100: control unit, 101: CPU, 102: memory, 103: storage device, 104:
database, 200: driving unit, 210: main shaft unit, 211: main shaft
sensor, 212: main shaft revolution speed control unit, 213: main
shaft motor, 220: feeding unit, 221: feeding sensor, 222: feeding
speed control unit, 223: feeding motor, 230: pressure sensor, 300:
output unit, 302: visual data generation unit, 303: monitor, 304:
auditory data generation unit, 305: speaker, 306: haptic data
generation unit, 307: vibration actuator, 400: input unit, 401:
keyboard, 402: mouse, 403: touch panel.
* * * * *